Don’t Allow Your Love to Grow Cold

In observing conditions in today’s world, it is not a pretty picture. Hostilities within and among nations are increasing in frequency and intensity. According to World Population Review, nearly 40 countries are currently experiencing active armed conflict (WorldPopulationReview.com). Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund states that as global debt continues rising precipitously, economic stability is threatened in many nations.

Although we live in a dangerous and apprehensive age, circumstances could improve at least temporarily. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ revealed through His Olivet prophecy, (Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21) that an unprecedented time of turmoil and human suffering will transpire shortly before His second coming. Widespread religious deception, wars, rumors of wars, famines and disease epidemics will be followed by even greater chaotic and violent conditions which will generate appalling sufferings and sorrows (Matthew 24:8).

Jesus warned His disciples about this future perilous age by stating that “lawlessness will abound, [and] the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12, emphasis added throughout). That shocking pronouncement should be a powerful impetus for us as God’s people to make certain we are preparing spiritually without delay. The love Christ referenced is the spiritual attribute He provides to His called, repentant and obedient disciples through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Therefore, it is essential that we are highly cognizant of attitudes we have and actions we take now to ensure that our love will never grow cold.

Persecution and betrayal coming

To accomplish this, it would be wise to examine Jesus’ reference to lawlessness which the Bible describes as sin—meaning the violation of God’s commandments (1 John 3:4). During the period just prior to His return to earth a rebellious, defiant condition will define much of human conduct. People throughout the world will be severely impacted by the destructive and grievous situations Christ spoke about in His Olivet prophecy—which His disciples will also undergo. Added to this, Church members will be subjected to intense persecution for their beliefs and obedience to God (Matthew 24:9).

While none of this is pleasant to contemplate, it is vital that we boldly face the truth of Scripture so as to guard against any tendency to lessen our spiritual vigilance. While Christ deeply loves and appreciates His brethren who are completely dedicated and loyal to Him, it is sad to contemplate that when persecution and hardships are experienced in the period before His return to earth, many brethren will severely disappoint Him. Rather than relying on His mighty strength and aid to help them through the trials they encounter, they will abandon Him and allow their love for Him and His people to grow cold (Matthew 24:12).

But why? Could it be to save themselves from further persecution, distress or adversity? Whatever the reason, it doesn’t have to be that way for you and me if our relationship with God is strong, resilient and robust through the power of God’s Spirit. No matter how difficult the events we come up against as members of the body of Christ during that future period, abandoning Him and our fellow brethren must never be contemplated.

Considering the situation just described, what does scripture reveal will occur after many Church members allow highly arduous events to cause them to abdicate their faith? Jesus said in Matthew 24:10 that they will “betray one another, and will hate one another.” Tragically, a spirit of virulent antipathy will grip individuals who were once caring, truth-loving, commandment-keeping brethren. Church members who had formerly shared meals, activities, Sabbath services and Holy Days will turn against fellow brethren. Also, as Luke 21:16 explains, faithful disciples “will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.”

What do we value above anything else?

Therefore, how can you and I contend with the terrible times that lie ahead and “endure to the end” (Matthew 24:13)? It comes down to one question: What do we value more than anything else? In this instance we can look at the apostle Paul’s personal example. He explained that he had been offered many advantages in life—having been “a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee” (Philippians 3:5). He could have enjoyed a great physical life which would have included wealth, prominence and comfort. However, he willingly gave it all up to follow Jesus Christ (verse 7). He stated, “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (verse 8).

So, are you and I fully committed to do the same no matter what hardships or dilemmas we may encounter? In describing true Christians who strongly resist the devil’s assaults, Jesus said “they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death” (Revelation 12:11). Those steadfast brethren trusted God unreservedly. Physical life was not their most important concern. Rather, it was loving God and carrying out His will in their lives. What about us? Will we be counted in the small group of devoted, courageous brethren? If so, what should we do to ensure that our love will not grow cold when the going gets really tough? The Bible gives us the answers.

How not to let our love grow cold

If we constantly and faithfully “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,” God’s love in us will not grow cold (Matthew 6:33). If we diligently obey God’s commandments while remaining loyal to Him in every circumstance, His love in us will not grow cold (1 John 5:3). If we stay close to Him through fervent prayer and regular Bible study, His love in us will not grow cold (Luke 21:34-36). If we build our “most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,” God’s love in us will not grow cold (Jude 20-21).

If we “esteem others better than [ourselves]” (Philippians 2:3), God’s love in us will not grow cold. If we remain resolute in the midst of our current trials through God’s aid and power while maintaining an optimistic attitude, His love in us will not grow cold (2 Timothy 2:3). And, when we suffer offenses and injustices and yet zealously follow the example of our Savior who said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do,” God’s love in us will not grow cold (Luke 23:34).

Finally, Jesus Christ prophesied that an unprecedented time of turmoil and human suffering will occur shortly before His second coming. People throughout the world will be affected by these conditions as will Christ’s own disciples who will also endure intense persecution for their beliefs and obedience to God.

Sadly, many church members will allow their love for God to grow cold and will turn against their fellow brethren, but it will not happen to us if our relationship with our heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is strong, steady and resolute. Therefore, will you and I “endure to the end” through every trial, hardship and suffering while faithfully maintaining our love for God and our fellow brethren? The choice is ours and the time to choose and act is right now!